Replace Pedals on MS3

[Quackerspaniel]

I need to replace my pedals on my 2006 MS3 cause after 50K i have worn the clutch pedal smooth. I was thinking aluminum ones with black rubber nubs. Anyone have any recommendations?
Also are there different bolt patterns for them or are they pretty universal?

 

[blackmica_es]

pedal covers are all pretty universal, although the ones made by mazdaspeed would be best for an OEM look (beware of fakes though!). just make sure to purchase the ones which attach by requiring you to drill holes into your pedals in order to screw the covers on (sparco comes to mind). i cannot stress enough how much safer those are to use over those that simply clip on to your current pedals. i once had a set of revo clip on covers whose clip snapped off and left the cover dangling while i was driving in town, causing me to pull over and yank the entire cover off with a pair of pliers. thank God it didn't happen during my usual commute trough the mountains!

 

[_Chris]

pedal covers are all pretty universal, although the ones made by mazdaspeed would be best for an OEM look (beware of fakes though!). just make sure to purchase the ones which attach by requiring you to drill holes into your pedals in order to screw the covers on (sparco comes to mind). i cannot stress enough how much safer those are to use over those that simply clip on to your current pedals. i once had a set of revo clip on covers whose clip snapped off and left the cover dangling while i was driving in town, causing me to pull over and yank the entire cover off with a pair of pliers. thank God it didn't happen during my usual commute trough the mountains!

This was my first thought when I was reading your question. Never get covers that just clamp on. The price is cheap because they are cheap. They work for a little bit then they get loose and come off right when you don't expect it. Screw on ones will save you money in the long run because you wont just be putting money in the trash when you get rid of the clamp on style ones.

 

[bbrich57]

They're a bit expensive, but I've had these for over 4 years now and I still LOVE 'em:
http://www.autovationparts.com/store/Mazda3.html

They are all aluminum, have a machine raised surface and so they DO NOT SLIP OR WEAR OUT, and are custom made for the Mazda3 pedals!!
I highly recommend these and think they are worth every penny.

edit: You can ordered them with all kinds of options including rubber inserts, but they will wear out and like any OE's are not grippy when wet. Plus they cost more, so why bother.
Also something I did not know until searching their site just now is that AutoVation provided the pedals for Eleanor, the famous Mustang featured in Gone in 60 Seconds!! Pretty cool, if you'd ask me.

 

[joshritger]

bbrich57 how slippery are those pedals when your feet are wet? I have thought about getting pedal replacements also in the past, but I am always cautious as my feet are wet alot in the winter and I am worried about them slipping a lot on the smooth metal.

 

[bbrich57]

Not at all slippery!! And much less so compared to anything made out of rubber, including the OE's. I use to slip off the clutch all the time when wet.

The center of the pedal is actually machined out of it so it leaves edges all around. They grip your shoe like nobody's business... except the accelerator pedal, which is essential and intentional for heel/toe work.
Don't plan on driving barefoot though. I never do anyway and don't recommend it at any time.

 

[joshritger]

bbrich57 would you mind taking a closer up picture of your pedals and also noting which options you have. I don't exactly understand all of the options they have on the website.

Thanks,
Josh

 

[bbrich57]

They do offer a few more options than they used to.
First of all, I would stay away from any upgrade options... the ones that cost extra money, such as the rubber inserts. They would likely suck and make the pedals less effective anyway.
I have the the basic aluminum, "lightweight", competition pedals with the machined finish and full holes w/ the perimeter ring. None are "upgrade" cost options, nor were they at the time.
A lot of owners then went for the matt finish, but I really fell for the machined finish hook, line and sinker. To me, they have more style and look better overall.
I have the smooth accelerator pedal but the dead pedal has grip, which was the only way they came at the time. I would suggest to "smooth" option if you heel and toe, or write and ask them to include the smooth accelerator and a grip dead pedal.
That's really it!!
I will take and post some pics when I have the chance to.

 

[bbrich57]

Am I dedicated or what? It's STILL 102.3* out there and I took pictures at your request.

Sorry for the dirty mats and that I didn't clean the pedals first, but did I mention... IT'S 102.3*f OUT THERE!!!!

 

[joshritger]

bbrich57 thanks for the pics and info, I guess I just don't get what is meant by "heal and toe". Your floor mats are actually pretty clean, you should see my carpet after winter, all white and crappy due to road salt. I do clean it very nicely in spring though. I also have the mazda all season mats, they suck, I got them as a gift from my fiance when the car was new, I really wish I would have gotten something better, they don't cover enough. Oh well they were a gift, so I can't complain too much.

Josh

 

[bbrich57]

Heel/toe is this method of downshifting while braking at the same time:

It's an age old method of rev-matching, and braking, while downshifting or when stopped at a light waiting to go. This is why the accelerator pedal is made a little wider. I use it ALL the time.
Try it! You'll like it....

 

[joshritger]

No wonder I didn't understand it, my car is an automatic
I guess I probably did something like that with my old car, 93 honda civic that was stick. I really really wish my car was stick, pity I didn't find this forum before I baught my car. There is no turning back now, it is one payment away from being paid off.

Josh

 

[bbrich57]

Yeah. Then heel/toeing wouldn't help you much.
What were you thinking???
OK, so I like shifting, but there are times when even I wished for a clutchless shift. Then I pass the traffic jam and everything is OK again.

 

[joshritger]

Well, if my luck tells you anything, I am on my second transmission. First one came out around 25,000 miles and I am now at around 40,000 miles. The current transmission feels like crap and just plain shifts bad. I am thinking of taking it to a transmission shop to see what they can do. Maybe a rebuild or just upgrade components. I know I am going to defiantly put synthetic fluid in though once I get it looked at.

Josh